Have your say, via one of the following feedback channels:

• Complete the online feedback form via the link above
• Attend a Council-run drop-in session (bookings preferred via this link)
  • Tuesday 29 July - North Avoca SLSC - 10am - 4pm
  • Saturday 2 August - The Entrance Community Centre - 9am - 3pm
  • Thursday 7 August - Soldiers Beach SLSC - 10am - 4pm
  • Saturday 9 August – MacMasters Beach SLSC - 9am - 3pm
• Email: engageme@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au or
• Write to Council: PO Box 20, Wyong NSW 2259

Your feedback will help shape the final version of the Coastal Management Program for the Open Coast before it reports to Council for adoption.

Submissions close Monday 25 August

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The Coastal Management Program Process:
Stage One – Scoping Study

The Stage One Scoping Study for the Open Coast and Coastal Lagoons CMP was completed in August 2021 and reviewed by Central Coast Council and NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) staff.

This foundational study:

• Defined the geographical scope of the CMP, covering approximately 80 km of open coastline
• Identified key coastal management issues including erosion, inundation, recreational pressure, and habitat degradation
• Assessed ecological, social, cultural, and economic values of the open coast
• Reviewed existing coastal protection structures and historical management responses
• Identified knowledge gaps and recommended targeted technical studies for Stage 2
• Provided a forward program for the remaining CMP stages

The study also consolidated previous planning efforts and established a framework for integrating community values, scientific evidence, and legislative requirements into future coastal management.

📄 View the Scoping Study

Stage Two – Technical Studies

Stage Two of the Open Coast CMP focused on addressing key knowledge gaps identified in the Scoping Study. Central Coast Council was awarded a $327,000 Coast and Estuary Grant from the NSW Government to support the delivery of these studies.

Completed Studies:

• Social and Recreational Use Study
  This study assessed how the community uses the open coast for recreation and evaluated the condition and distribution of recreational infrastructure. It provided a comprehensive set of recommendations to inform future planning and investment.
• Coastal Hazard Study
  A detailed and data-driven assessment of regional and local coastal processes across the Central Coast. This study:
  • Analysed the coastal sand budget
  • Updated previous hazard assessments using contemporary data and a consistent methodology
  • Identified risks to public safety, infrastructure, land, cultural heritage, ecosystems, and recreational amenity
  • Provided a scientific foundation for understanding current and future coastal vulnerability

These studies are now being used to inform the development of management options in Stage 3.

Stage Three – Options Assessment

Stage Three focuses on identifying and evaluating management options based on the findings from Stage Two and community input. This stage includes:

• Reviewing risks to public safety, infrastructure, ecosystems, and recreational amenity
• Developing a long list of potential management actions
• Applying a multi-criteria analysis (MCA) to assess the feasibility, effectiveness, and alignment of each option with community values and legislative objectives
• Prioritising actions for inclusion in the draft CMP

This process is informed by:

• Technical studies
• Community and stakeholder feedback
• Legislative and policy frameworks
• Coastal hazard risk assessments

The Stage Three Options Assessment Report is a refined set of recommended actions that will form the basis of the draft CMP.

Stage Four – Finalisation and Certification

The Open Coast CMP is currently in Stage Four, where the Draft CMP is on public exhibition. This stage includes:

• Preparing the draft CMP document, including:
  • Management objectives
  • Prioritised actions
  • Implementation schedules
  • Monitoring and evaluation frameworks
• Public exhibition of the draft CMP
• Collecting and incorporating community and stakeholder feedback
• Submitting the final CMP to the NSW Minister for the Environment for certification

Certification ensures the CMP meets the requirements of the Coastal Management Act 2016 and reflects best practice in coastal planning.

Stage Five – Implementation

Once certified, the CMP will guide the coordinated management of the Central Coast’s open coast over the next 10 years. Implementation will be integrated into Council’s Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) framework and include:

• On-ground works such as dune restoration, access upgrades, and hazard mitigation
• Ongoing monitoring of coastal processes, infrastructure, and environmental health
• Community education and engagement programs
• Collaboration with state agencies and neighbouring councils

Community Engagement

Community engagement has played a vital role in shaping the Open Coast Coastal Management Program. It ensures that the values, concerns, and lived experiences of the Central Coast community are reflected in the planning and management of our coastline.

All engagement activities are guided by the Open Coast and Coastal Lagoons Community and Stakeholder Engagement Strategy, which outlines a structured, inclusive, and transparent approach to engagement across all stages of the CMP.

Stage One Engagement

Between 30 March and 15 June 2021, Council conducted region-wide engagement to inform the Stage One Scoping Study. Activities included:

• An online survey
• Pop-up information stalls
• Key interest focus groups
• A dedicated project webpage

📄 View the Phase One Survey Report

Stage Two & Three Engagement

In 2024, Council undertook targeted engagement to support the development of management options for the CMP. This included:

• Online feedback opportunities
• Community workshops and drop-in sessions
• Stakeholder meetings
• Feedback on the long list of proposed management actions

📄 View the Stage 2/3 Consultation Report

🗺️ Explore the map and community comments

Stage 4 Engagement – Now Open

The Draft Open Coast Coastal Management Program (CMP) is now on public exhibition, and we want to hear from you!

Have your say on how we manage our incredible coastline by:

• Viewing the Draft CMP and related documents
• Providing feedback via the online form
• Booking a drop-in session to speak with a coastal management officer:

Drop-in Sessions:

• Tue 29 July – North Avoca SLSC, 10am–4pm
• Sat 2 August – The Entrance Community Centre, 9am–3pm
• Thu 7 August – Soldiers Beach SLSC, 10am–4pm
• Sat 9 August – MacMasters SLSC, 9am–3pm